What are My Rights if I Cause a Car Accident?

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Sometimes accidents are beyond our control. We stay alert, drive carefully, and follow all the rules but in split, second things can go horribly wrong. Luckily you still have rights even if you have been in a car accident and you can uphold these rights to protect you in unwelcome situations.

Let us break down your rights for you if you believe that you have caused the car accident. As an honest and responsible person, you want to come clean and make things right. Unfortunately, nothing is black and white and things are not always as they appear on the surface. Let us give you some examples of how your honesty can be used against you and then tell you how you can protect yourself.

What can happen when you’re in a car accident?

There are always two sides to a story and sometimes things happen so quickly that you can never be too sure who was at fault. However, if you do admit that it is your fault here’s what could happen:

  • The other person might have actually been a fault but decide to let you take the blame.
  • The other party might take advantage of your honestly and try and blame you for injuries that were not caused during the accident.
  • The other party could blame you for damage to their car that was not caused during the accident.
  • The false claims could be used to file for compensation which your insurance will have to cover.
  • Your admission of guilt can be used against you in a court of law.

What should you do if you are in a car accident?

Regardless of how guilty you believe you are, remember that you are possibly in a state of shock and not in the best frame of mind. Even the smallest statement from you can be blown out of proportion so here’s what you should do.”

  • Keep quiet. The most important thing to do in a car accident situation is to say nothing. Even an apology from you to the other person can be taken as an admission of guilt.
  • Call your lawyer. This is one of the most important things you should do if you have been in an accident. You do not need to say anything to even the police unless your lawyer is present with you.
  • Always remember that it is not up to you to prove your innocence but up to the other person to prove that you were responsible.
  • Seek medical help. Whether you feel like you have been injured or not, you should get a medical examination to rule out any internal trauma, whiplash, and so on. Sometimes in a state of shock, we miss even the most basic of sensations.